What Is the Difference between Welding and Riveting?

Welding	Riveting
Permanent metal joining process.	Semi-permanent.
Welding gives a rigid joint, and they are stronger than riveted joint.	Rivets hold metal sheets; they are not rigid and also weaker than welded joints.
No connecting component used. So it is lighter.	Connecting components like gusset plate used and therefore, it is heavier.
Welding can do on any part of the structure.	Riveting required enough clearance between them.
Thermal expansion may cause new internal stress in the weld joint.	It provides a tolerance to avoid the problem of thermal expansion.
Welding can do even if we are available only one face of the structure. E.g. Pipes	Riveting is not possible if we can’t access both sides.
Heating involved in welding may damage the cell structure.	No heating involved.
Alteration and addition to the existing structure are very easy.	Addition and alteration are not easier as the welding.
It takes less time than riveting.	Time-consuming process.
Inspection is very difficult.	Easier to inspect.

Read:
Difference between soldering and brazing
Advantages and disadvantages of welding joints
TIG welding - advantages and disadvantages